Four seasons have passed since AP’s magical 2,097-yard season in which he single-handedly carried the Vikings’ offense to the playoffs. Since then, AP has played in 34/64 regular season games. He has missed majority of the 2014 and 2016 seasons because of a suspension and injuries, respectively.

Last year, his play before a torn meniscus did not inspire confidence that AP would reign supreme for much longer. He gained only 72 yards on 37 carries in three games behind a suspect offensive line.

So, with Peterson healthy and in a new environment, how big will his role be with the Saints in 2017?

AP’s flaws are well known at this point in his career and are being written about in every article about him this offseason. He can’t pass block, can’t run out of the shotgun, and injuries are a concern. He’s also reached an age (32) that has not been friendly to running backs, historically.

But ideally, New Orleans must be in the top-three best situations out of any team for Peterson to be successful.

Luckily for the Saints, they already employ a no. 1 running back in Mark Ingram. They won’t need to ask AP to carry this team like many Vikings teams did in the past.

Along with serving as a backup to a great running back, AP will also have the luxury of running behind fullback John Kuhn. Kuhn has been one of the better fullbacks of the last decade, and the Saints are one of the few teams that still employ the position. Peterson excels having a fullback to follow.

The Saints have one of the better offensive lines in the NFL, too. If AP can’t succeed running the ball this season, it won’t be because the blocking failed him.

That puts pressure on Sean Payton to get creative with the use of AP, Ingram, and Kuhn together. Payton and Brees’ offenses have consistently been one of the more dynamic attacks in the NFL year after year. He will find a way to get the production out of Peterson that Spiller could not deliver.

The departure of Brandin Cooks via trade with New England should not have any effect on the running game. Even without Cooks’ home-run threat on the outside, teams will not be able to stack the box with any more comfort knowing that Brees is throwing the ball.

22-year-old Writer out of Baltimore, Maryland. Towson University Alum- Class of 2016. I've been a Ravens fan for as long as I can remember and will defend them for life. I love Football in general, and I am getting more and more into Basketball and Baseball everyday. I aim to inspire the most out of people through my writing. Dream Big.